Harrow Council looks for leisure centre savings

Feb 28 2011 By Ian Proctor

Harrow Leisure Centre

COUNCILLORS hope they can save taxpayers' cash by finding a private company to run Harrow's public leisure centres for the next two years.

Harrow Council's cabinet committee originally agreed in January to simply extend the current contract with Leisure Connection for 24 months while they make arrangements for a long-term solution.

But further research has led to the Labour administration to decide to put out the day-to-day running of the facilities to competitive tender, meaning any provider can bid to manage Harrow Leisure Centre in Christchurch Avenue, Wealdstone, and Hatch End Pool and Bannister Sports Centre, both in Uxbridge Road, Hatch End.

The tendering process began on February 21 and will end on March 4 after which Harrow Council’s cabinet committee will approve the new contract details at its meeting next month.

Councillor Rekha Shah (Labour), the council's portfolio holder for community and cultural services, said: “Government cuts are putting enormous pressure on our budgets and we are leaving no stone unturned as we seek to protect front line services, improve the way we deliver them, and do it at lower cost.

“We are scrutinising every penny we spend so it makes sense to look carefully at a major contract like this and we are confident that this tender will bring even better services and value for money for residents in Harrow.”